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Created by award-winning company The Barden Party from New Zealand—Best Theatre Weekly Awards at the Adelaide Fringe (2024 & 2025)—Heracles is a fully original folk musical that reimagines the Greek myth of Heracles: his struggle with his darker self and his fraught relationship with Hera, Queen of the Gods.Blending Greek myth with live music and a 1940s Hollywood aesthetic, the show explores power, patriarchy, celebrity, ambition, perception, and self-worth. Who are we when no one is watching—Hero? Villain? Man? Beast? God? As the Oracle of Delphi reminds us: “Know thyself” (Γνῶθι σαυτόν).
This is the first half of an eventual 2.5 hour long epic. This portion will be taken to Edinburgh Fringe 2026 with the second half of the epic being created in 2026.
Performed live by a cast of four, with original music played on multiple instruments using a 4-track loop pedal, Heracles builds a rich, immersive soundscape with just one musician at a time. Directed by award-winning Kiwi-American actor and director Laura Irish and featuring music and lyrics by award-winning songwriter Ollie Howlett, this is a world premiere experience you won’t want to miss.
Internationally acclaimed for Butterfly Smokescreen and their bluegrass Macbeth, and debuting their first year at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe with six five-star reviews and named one of The Rec’s Top Ten Favourite Shows, the Barden Party brings their signature blend of Greek tragedy, live music, and theatrical innovation to Fairfield House this December, before touring to Edinburgh Fringe 2026. 🎟
Book your tickets now and witness the myth come alive!
Tickets are available on a sliding scale.
We are partnering with Cultural Conversations - Her Business Journey, bringing delicious kai for sale.
Please purchase the $15 food-add on (separate to your ticket) which will get you a pasta salad + olive and cheese pastry + a piece of coconut cake when you arrive!
*Food also for sale on the night, but purchasing the food ticket-add on helps us prepare so nothing goes to waste :)
Fairfield pop up bar will be operating. Ages 12+
Dates and sessions:
17 December 730 pm
18 December 730 pm
19 December 630 pm & 830 pm
20 December 630 pm & 830 pm
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Fairfield House, 48 Van Diemen Street,Nelson, New Zealand
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